JETS: Gang Green drafts Milliner, Richardson

FLORHAM PARK, N.J. (AP) — The New York Jets have selected Alabama cornerback Dee Milliner, who could immediately step in for the recently traded Darrelle Revis, with the ninth pick in the NFL draft.

Milliner was considered by many to be the top defensive back in the draft and the Jets had a gaping hole in their secondary after trading Revis to Tampa Bay on Sunday. Milliner could start opposite Antonio Cromartie on a pass defense that ranked second overall — even without an injured Revis.

It was the first of the Jets’ two first-round picks. They also have No. 13, which was acquired from Tampa Bay.

The Jets were also high on West Virginia wide receiver Tavon Austin, who was taken by St. Louis at No. 8 after the Rams traded up with Buffalo.

The Jets also selected Missouri defensive tackle Sheldon Richardson with the 13th overall pick in the NFL draft.

The Jets and Rex Ryan loaded up on defense in the first round after also taking Alabama cornerback Dee Milliner with the No. 9 pick. New York acquired the 13th pick from Tampa Bay for cornerback Darrelle Revis on Sunday.

Richardson, who’s 6-foot-2 and 294 pounds, is an athletic run-stuffing lineman who had 79 tackles last season for Missouri. He adds depth to a defensive front that includes two other first-rounders in Muhammad Wilkerson (2011) and Quinton Coples (2012).

Richardson could compete with Kenrick Ellis, the team’s third-round pick in 2011, to be the Jets’ starting nose tackle after the team released veteran Sione Po’uha.